* Friendship * Prayer * Service May 2010

Josephite Associates Newsletter - May 2010 - Page 11

* Friendship * Prayer * Service

- May 2010 -

Welcome to Anne Downeywho now works for the

Josephite Associates two days a week

(Tuesday and Wednesday).

Anne has been a member of the

Josephite Associates for the past

sixteen years.

She is working from our office at the

Province Centre, Croydon.

I look forward to working with Anne,

and each of you,

as we walk together into our future.

*****************************************

Special Thanks to our Josephite

Associates who assist with the packing

and postage of our quarterly JA

Newsletter. These members are the

silent elves of the Associates, who

usually arrive at 9:30 a.m. and stay till

about 3:30 p.m. or until the job is done.

Spare a thought for this wonderful

group, who have been faithful to this

important service across the years!

It’s an open group, so if you would like

to become a JA Elf,

please ring Anne Downey on 8741 2334

Thanks!

Do the best you can and leave the rest to God.

Mary MacKillop

Thank you for the generous donations

many of you have sent. Each person will

be issued with a receipt. At this stage

we do not have a membership fee, so

your donations are an essential source

of financial support for the Josephite

Associates.

****************************************

Coming Events—Associates

Annual General Meeting

Saturday 18th

September 2010

Details to be advised

Vigil Mass

Year of Canonisation

Mary MacKillop Place

Saturday 9th

October 2010

Associates involved in Liturgy


Kincumber Retreat

15th

–17th

October 2010

“St Mary of the Cross”

Led by Maureen McDermott rsj

Cost $180

Advent Prayer Days

To be organised at local level


For further information phone

Clare Noonan rsj on 02 8741 2334

Page 2 - Josephite Associates Newsletter - May 2010

2

Bankstown Area GroupThere was great excitement among

the twenty enthusiastic and

dedicated people from the

Bankstown Area Group of

Associates as they gathered at St

Joseph’s Convent, Bankstown, on

6th

December 2009. The

memorable occasion was to

formalise their commitment to live

the charism of Mary MacKillop and

become members of the Josephite

Associates.

We were very happy to have Helen

Saunders rsj to lead the ritual with the focus on prayer together, and to present the Associate badges and

certificates. Helen’s reflection on the charism of Mary MacKillop, and the challenge for us to live out the call

to holiness as Josephite Associates, was a great source of inspiration to us.

What a graced and wonder-filled experience to become Josephite Associates at this significant time when the

proclamation of Mary MacKillop’s canonisation was greatly anticipated. Afternoon tea was a time of

rejoicing, when we shared our love and gratitude for the privilege of being part of the Josephite family.

Mary Smith rsj and Margaret Smith rsj

****************************************************************************************

Kincumber – December 2009On Tuesday, 1 December 2009, the Lidcombe Josephite Associates set out on a one day bus trip to Kincumber

as their special celebration for Mary’s centenary year. We were particularly pleased that one of our most

senior members, Daisy Keogh, and her daughter Anne, were able to join us as Daisy is a regular visitor to this

wonderful place.

We were also fortunate in encountering associate Fr John Alt who generously agreed to join us and celebrate

Eucharist for the group in the beautiful chapel. Morning tea was a welcome start to our day with tables set in

true Christmas style and an offering of Kincumber’s famous scones.

Ellen Daniel rsj gave those present a handy leaflet of all the buildings and this provided valuable information

as we walked around the Kincumber site. This included the waterside Stations of the Cross, the Labyrinth, and

of course the historic cemetery.

The cemetery included the gravesite of Fr Croke and boys from the home. It also has members of the Bourke

family, some of whom were the first to row Mary across the water to find “the perfect spot for her boys”.

The 34 associates on this trip agreed that it was a terrific experience. We were also very pleased to hear the

recent news of the proposed Canonisation of Mother Mary of the Cross in 2010.

Dawn Fitzpatrick, Lidcombe

****************************************************************************************

Congratulationsto Mary and Eddie Gallagher

(Penshurst)

who, on 17th January 2010,

celebrated 50 years in Australia


I thought I would give you an overview of the events of the last several months as well as share future plans.

January• We farewelled Helen Saunders rsj, former Associate Coordinator• Attended a meeting with the Editorial Committee to plan February Newsletter• Organized and planned Kincumber Retreat held 19th to 21st February 2010• Welcome extended to Clare in her new role as Associate Transition Leader• Letter of introduction from Clare Noonan rsj included in February Newsletter February • Bridie O’Connell rsj facilitated the Retreat, with the theme New Horizons. Celebrant of Eucharist was Bishop Bede Heather and assistants at Mass were Associates, who did Reading and Offertory Procession. March• Thanked you for promoting our Associates membership drive. Current membership stands at 1420. We have 31 city groups and 21 country groups. Recently several people have applied for membership as Associates and at the close of 2009 the Mid Mountains Josephite Associates were established. Their Group Leader is currently Maureen O’Halloran rsj. Communication links are still being established and we thank all involved for their understanding and patience. • Extended a Welcome to Anne Downey, a current member of the Josephite Associates and the Editorial Committee, who will work for the Associates two days a week: Tuesday and Wednesday.• Plan is to align the Operational Management and Membership Services through a borderless blending of Tasks, Personnel and Members.• As from 2010 please remember a monthly mass is offered for Associate Members and their intentions.• Lenten Prayer Day was held Tuesday 16th March 2010. The facilitator of the Prayer Day was Patricia Snudden rsj: Venue St Gerard’s, Croydon. 26 Associates participated. Time for networking with each other was enjoyed by all. • Many donations received within the month of March – thank you! April• Easter Celebrations and a short break.• Preparation for finalization and distribution of the Newsletter you are now holding in your hand.

Future Events & Other Matters • Record cards currently being created for Group Leaders as a management strategy• Planning for all activities for Josephite Associates for 2010 will be coordinated through the Leaders of each group to assist in streamlining information and record updates.• Very warm and sincere thanks to the wonderful members who have responded so efficiently to this changed style of Application Forms, Returns etc. • Budget is currently under discussion with the support of experts in the field.• Remember the AGM– at this stage Date is Saturday 18 September, 2010. Venue under discussion.

Thanks for your time. I trust you have enjoyed this update re the current planning and activities.I have met some of the Associates at our February Kincumber Retreat, spoken to several on the phone, received some very special and welcoming notes from members. Our recent Lenten Prayer day in March was something special! Our sincere thanks are offered to Patricia Snudden rsj, our facilitator and spiritual guide for the day. May God continue to bless each of us in the way which he knows to be best. Keep enjoying being an Associate and let’s be to others what we claim as our mark of membership: someone who offers Friendship, Prayer and Service to others.

Take care, and I will endeavour to keep you informed as together we seek to create our daily pathways for the promotion of the Gospel within ourselves and evident through our interaction with each other.

Bye for now,Clare

Progressive Report from Clare’s Corner


4

Prayer for Priests, in the Year of the Priest

O Jesus, Eternal Priest,

Stay with your priests as you did with the disciples on the road to

Emmaus.

Keep them full of faith, hope, love, confidence and enthusiasm

So that they may continue to minister to the people of God

whom they were ordained to serve in your name with joy and compassion.

Let your love surround each priest in his life, your kindness permeate all their actions and

your Gospel message, which they share, nourish all for your greater honour and glory.

Amen

Intercession:

Lord, thank you for our priests. Response: Amen

Lord, bless our priests. Response: Amen

Lord, we thank you for our priests. Response: Amen

Author unknown

*****************************************************************************

New Mary MacKillop Website

www.marymackillop.org.au

This new website is now live!

Among many other features, it provides people all over the world with

access to Mary’s story. It also provides prayer resources for Sisters,

Associates and anyone else.

*****************************************************************************


5

Associates’ Farewell

for Helen Saunders, NSW Josephite

Associates Coordinator

The farewell for our NSW Josephite Associates Coordinator,

Helen Saunders rsj, turned into quite a shindig on 30th

January 2010 at Marian Court Strathfield. Firstly, Helen

Bache and I fielded quite a few RSVPs in the weeks leading

up to this great event; 131 to be exact, with a few apologies.

The Residents’ Committee of Marian Court, led by Graham,

Chairperson, and its faithful workers, along with Leonie Bell, were most accommodating and worked

tirelessly to set up tables, chairs, decorations etc., turning their Mass room and activities area into a very warm

and inviting place in which to celebrate the life and times of our retiring Associates Coordinator. We started

the ball rolling with an introduction by Colleen Leathley; some excerpts are shown below:

“The size of the group here today indicates the impact, Helen, you have had in your role. Amongst our large

and esteemed congregation today we have people who have travelled from as far away as Woy Woy,

Winmalee, North Sydney -- and Strathfield. We also have, and extend a very warm welcome to, members of

the NSW Josephite Provincial Leadership Team (PLT), Mary Ellen O’Donoghue rsj and Antoinette Baldwin

rsj – welcome!

We have apologies and best wishes from Mary Quinlan rsj, provincial leader of the NSW Josephites; from

Ann Love rsj and Therese Carroll rsj of the NSW PLT; and from the following Associates – Yvonne Quarrell,

Robyn Vaughan, Peg McEntee, Jack Simonian, Claudia Smith and Vivian Hall.

Josephite Associates, while not vowed, share and respond to a call to live the spirit of Mary MacKillop and

the Josephites in their daily lives. They support one another by friendship, prayer and service, to make a

difference in their local area. In NSW, there are 52 groups (surprisingly, none in Orange -- perhaps soon?!)

with just under 1500 signed-up Associates. You’ve also visited nearly all of the 52 groups in the 6 years so

your Highly Commendable Award is in the mail.

The role of the Coordinator is an important and cohesive one -- in bridging links between Josephites and

Associates; providing pastoral support and spiritual development opportunities; bringing Associates together;

and attending to important administrative elements like membership, quarterly newsletters, annual general

meetings and prayer intentions. These help develop a sense of community and shared ministry. I am trustily

advised the real job description is a lot fuller. Also while not formally part of the role, Helen’s fund raising

abilities through collecting stamps are second to none …

Helen’s farewell 1


6

Helen is obviously also a good responder to the call.

Recently, that call invited her to pack up her bags and to

take her talents to the people of Orange – a call she

accepted. The Associates, also sharing a belief in the call

of the Spirit, accept your decision Helen, but of course

would not let you go without a proper send-off.

This morning, we will reminisce on some of the events of

the last six years with the customary PowerPoint

presentation and formalities. This will be followed by an

opportunity for Helen to say a few words.”

Thus followed a very entertaining PowerPoint presentation, which we believe showed Helen how much we

have appreciated her outgoing-ness, her friendly smile and her willingness to share with all Associates the

Spirit of Mary MacKillop and to get in there and work shoulder to shoulder with us all.

We then all joined together in a blessing prayer for Helen:

We praise and thank you, God of the journey, for Helen who is soon to travel.

We entrust Helen into your loving care,

knowing that you are always the Faithful Traveller and Companion on our way.

Shelter this loved one of ours and protect her from all harm and all anxiety.

May the future be a source of many enriching and transforming moments for her. Amen.

(Adapted from Joyce Rupp’s Praying Our Goodbyes)

Thanks to all who came and all who sent their best wishes for Helen’s future journeying.

Anne Downey, Lakemba

P.S. We have since received a thank you note from

Helen, saying she arrived safely and took some good

rain with her. A farmer told her that it was the best

rain in 15 years! It has since been beautifully warm

and sunny with no humidity.




7

From ClareDear Associates,

How many times have you heard a knock at your

door, wondered who it was and, on opening the

door, been greeted by someone you have not seen

for a long time? Perhaps you are secretly hoping

(within your heart) that such knock will eventually

come your way – or maybe you are the someone

who often knocks on a door and gives renewed

hope and joy to others. I hope one of these

experiences has been yours.

During our recent retreat at Kincumber, we were

gathered together as Josephite Associates when the

news of the canonisation was announced. It was a

very joyful occasion and those of us who stood in

the very place where Mary MacKillop had walked

and worked felt doubly blessed. It was like a

knock at our front door (our heart) – and the guest

was Australia’s first saint – Saint Mary of the

Cross MacKillop.

Never underestimate the importance of finding and

taking the time to be a friend to someone. Watch

the people of Australia as they come together to

celebrate the life of a woman who was courageous

and determined in spreading the Good News of the

Gospel. Observe the changes and the flood of

human pride that swells up as ownership of Mary

MacKillop becomes totally Australian. Many of

you have written notes expressing your joy! Let’s

keep the vision of Mary alive by the lives we live,

the people we are and most importantly the

relationships we form daily as Christians united in

Faith, driven by Hope and alight with Love!

I hope you recognise the next person who knocks

at your door, calls you on the phone or remembers

you. I will!

Bye for now. May we stay alive in our Friendship,

Service and Prayer, always...

Clare

Coming Events—

Mary MacKillop Place

May 26th

(10:30 am to 12:30 pm)

Mary MacKillop – Fired with Passion

Maureen McDermott rsj

Guided Meditation

21st and 28

th June (11 am to 1 pm)

Elizabeth Crilley rsj

June 30th

(10:30 am to 12:30 pm)

“There where you are, you will find God”

(Mary MacKillop 1874)

Sue and Leo Kane

Introduction to Prayer

26th

July; 2nd

, 9th

, 16th

, and 23rd

August

(11 am to 1 pm)

Elizabeth Crilley rsj

July 28th

(10:30 am to 12:30 pm)

Mary MacKillop -- “a tree planted by water”

June Flynn rsj

August 25th

(10:30 am to 12:30 pm)

Mary MacKillop: “Listening to Our Land”

Colleen O’Sullivan rsj

For further information

phone 02 8912 4818

or email [email protected]

Requiescant in PaceNorma Cleal (Warialda);

Maureen Dean (Belmont), sister of Angela Grantrsj;

Lorraine Judge, mother of Helen Bache

(Lakemba);

Ray Kenna, husband of Merle (Kingsgrove);

Les Magee, husband of Lorna (Blacktown)

Prayers for the SickJude Giannone, daughter of Dawn Fitzpatrick

(Lidcombe);

Anne Kennedy (Canberra);

Mary Clare Lees (Canberra);

Vera and Jack Sivewright, parents of

Christine (Lakemba)


8

Editorial CommitteeThe current Josephite Associates Editorial Committee has been operational over the past six years. During this

period membership has varied in size and personnel. The purpose of the Committee is to provide a

professional framework in the creation, preparation and editing of your quarterly Newsletter. Current

members’ skills, particularly in editing, design and a cross selection of quality management styles, enable our

Newsletter to be produced and delivered to you our members within a definite timeline across the year.

Members of our Editorial Committee are:

Helen Bache

Anne Downey (Content Design Planner)

Jacquie Oudin

Christine Sivewright (Editor)

The Committee Members meet four times a

year from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

(approximately). Members collect and co-

ordinate the articles submitted or requested

by you for possible inclusion in each

Newsletter. At this meeting the editing

layout is reviewed and decided, design is

agreed and then the Editor compiles the

Newsletter as agreed, before emailing it to

the rest of the team for final proofreading.

One of the members accepts responsibility

for coordinating our Newsletter Elves (mentioned on page 1).

Members are appreciative of specific support provided by Lyn Raftery rsj, another ‘silent helper’ who assists

with the final Newsletter visual inclusions and placement.

Anne Downey will ensure electronic copies of Newsletter are distributed to Josephites, Associates and friends.

Christine, Jacquie, Helen and Anne

Congratulationsto Maureen MacPherson

(Lithgow)

who celebrated her 90th birthday

on 20th April 2010

The newsletter is now available on the Web, at

http://www.sosj.org.au/connect/NSWAssociates.html

Stamps Wanted

Used stamps wanted for the Josephite

mission in Peru

Please send to:

Stamps

Locked Bag 3031

Burwood NSW 1805

Phone 02 8741 2334

Fax 02 8741 2399


9

In the Footsteps of Blessed Mary MacKillop

Australian Pilgrimage – October 2009In October 2009, I had the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage of sites associated with the journey Blessed

Mary MacKillop undertook in establishing the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. The journey

started with 34 pilgrims and four leaders meeting at Mary MacKillop Place (MMP), North Sydney.

Pilgrims came from NSW, Victoria, Brisbane, Canberra, South Australia and Western Australia.

On day one in the Tenison Room at MMP, Monica Barlow rsj explained that a pilgrimage can be described

as a sacred journey. Pilgrims were encouraged to be inspired by the stories of the places visited so that as

individuals and a group, we can be “re-awakened to a deeper awareness of the God who goes before us”.

We started with the drawing of the water from a well located in the Tenison Room. This represented the

living water that would nourish us on the journey.

The first activity was the lighting of the pilgrim candle, which would act as the spirit of life for this and

future prayers and reflections on the journey. As the youngest in the group, I had the honour of carrying

and maintaining this symbol during the course of the pilgrimage.

The rest of the day involved a walk through the MMP site and changes since the early colonial days.

Pilgrims were encouraged to ‘listen to the horse and carts travelling down the cobble stone roads’.

Fittingly, the first day ended with evening prayer at Mary’s tomb in the MMP chapel.

During this first day, Monica also introduced the other leaders who would escort and enlighten us on the

significant places and events we would encounter over the rest of our journey. They were Therese Leydon

rsj (NSW), Marie Foale rsj (SA) and Genevieve Carroll rsj (Qld).

From there, the pilgrims visited other Sydney, Victoria and South Australia locations, where they were able

to see, first hand, many challenges that Mary faced in establishing the Order, including:

• Gravesite in Macquarie Cemetery in Sydney of her mother Flora MacKillop

• Gravesite at Waverley Cemetery of Fr Julian Tenison Woods, co-founder of the Sisters of St.

Joseph

• Birthplace in Melbourne of Blessed Mary.

• Gravesite in Hamilton Vic. of Alexander MacKillop, Mary’s father

• Port McDonald Vic. departure point for what would be perilous sea trip to Adelaide SA

• First Josephite Schoolhouse in Penola SA established by Julian Tenison Woods and Mary

MacKillop

• Franklin Street Chapel Adelaide where Bishop Sheil excommunicated Mary MacKillop

• St Mary’s Church, Morphett Vale SA where Fr Peter Hughes lifted excommunication

Pilgrims included Sisters of St Joseph, Associates, other supporters and a retired priest. For some it was

their first pilgrimage; for others, while they had been to these locations previously; each visit was different.

Personally, as my first pilgrimage, I was inspired by the leadership of the Sisters, and the courage identified

in our travels of the life journey faced by Blessed Mary, Fr Woods, and the early Sisters of St Joseph. I

was also encouraged by the friendship and support of my fellow pilgrims.

The dedication of staff and volunteers located in centres such as Bacchus March, Hamilton, Portland, and

Penola made the pilgrimage even more enlightening. These people were very enthusiastic about providing

information as to how their town was important in the MacKillop journey.

Geoff Barrett, Lidcombe


10

The Pilgrims – October, 2009

We all met up in Sydney town

A varied mob we were

To learn about an Aussie brave

On whom sainthood we’ll confer.

We sat in awe at her bedside

And felt her spirit rise

Her resting place is a haven

She listens to our cries.

In Melbourne we retraced her steps

From birth to adulthood

She opened up her heart

To help where’er she could.

We’ve shared her family trials

We’ve watched her dreams unfold

As she worked with Fr Julian

To begin her mission bold.

The joys, the agony along the way

She accepted as God’s will

She never lost her sight of this

It’s the message she instilled.

So thank you Mother Mary

And all your sisters too

We’ll try to live the way you taught

And blessings will ensue.

Ann Watson-Brown, Tieri, Qld

New Horizons was the theme of our retreat at

Kincumber over the weekend of 19th

to 21st

February 2010. Bridie O’Connell rsj led us in her

gentle, prayerful quiet way. The retreat invited

each one of us to listen to the voice of God that

comes not in earthquakes or fire, but in the gentle

whisper. We reflected on how busy our lives are

and how, when we pray, we babble on, failing to

listen to what God wants to tell us in our deepest

self. Everything around us may look the same as

always, but we need to see things with new eyes.

We need to realise that whatever our experience in

the past, present or future, Jesus understands, in

His humanity, and in His death.

The New Horizons theme was appropriate, as we

met our new coordinator, Clare Noonan rsj. I was

impressed with the way she spoke about her hopes

and about the direction she’d like to see the

Associates take.

After Mass and tea, at a party on Saturday evening,

the group celebrated the news of the forthcoming

canonization of Blessed Mary MacKillop on 17th

October 2010 in Rome.

I want to thank Bridie, Clare, Ellen and the staff of

Kincumber for a beautiful weekend – with good

food and great weather, too! My thanks also go to

the group, for their sharing, wisdom and

prayerfulness. It was a wonderful experience of

where God is in my life.

Joy McDonald, Lithgow

Australian Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of

Blessed Mary MacKillop

Bookings now open for 2010

12th

to 22nd

April

12th

to 22nd

October

For more information, contact:

Therese Leydon rsj

Phone 0417 683 123

[email protected]

Monica Barlow rsj

Phone (02) 8912 4818

[email protected]

http://www.sosj.org.au/mary/Pilgrimages

Associates Office – Locked Bag 3031

Burwood NSW 1805 – (02) 8741 2334

[email protected]


11

In the Spirit of St Joseph by Sister Mary Cresp rsj

In the Spirit of St Joseph had its genesis in a Chapter decision. How wise and far seeing was the leadership of the

Australian and New Zealand Sisters of St Joseph!

This book is a veritable treasure. With the subjects St Joseph and the Sisters of St Joseph worldwide, it may well

be the first time such material is brought together. It is expansive and eventful. Both subjects are strong, ready to

take risks, active, compassionate and kind. St Joseph’s own Sisters can be found everywhere. The book deserves

to be better known. Sr Mary, a former Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, has

written this comprehensive encomium with great élan, and her writing and scholarly approach is impressive and

academically substantial. Interestingly the bibliography is in the footnotes and it works, much to my surprise.

For example, one footnote tells of the parish priest of Queenstown in New Zealand expressing to Mary MacKillop

that he thought it rather foolish that two or three Sisters were working nearby in Arrowtown which was a

notorious gold rush town. Sr Mary has also made each chapter in three parts and that works also. I found that the

chapters could stand alone so rich and edifying are they. As Associates there is much to value. The book will

enrich our lives and probably inspire us to do more.

The Sisters of St Joseph began in the mid-eighteenth century in the Auvergne region of France with Le Puy as one

of its main towns. In the 1760s John Pierre Medaille sj was giving missions in the area and came upon groups of

ordinary village women who wanted to be nuns but they were not able to join the established orders. Father

Medaille brought them together and wrote a Rule for them. In 1650 the first Sisters of St Joseph were created. In

the 1850s Father Julian Tenison Woods of South Australia found Mary MacKillop working in education in

Penola. She also wanted to be a religious. Father Woods had studied in France and already knew of these Sisters.

Following the example of Medaille, he wrote a Rule and Mary MacKillop became the first Sister of St Joseph in

Australia.

It is a feature of the Sisters of St Joseph that they seek out more areas and needs. Sisters from Le Puy set off to

work in many other countries. The Sisters also took risks going to remote places in North America early in the

19th Century when they didn’t speak the language. Today there are Australian and New Zealand Sisters in

Timor, Peru, Brazil, Scotland and Ireland. As we know, we can find God in the ordinary life of common people.

Sisters of St Joseph do as the people do. The Sisters have tried most types of employment, even commercial real

estate trading. (St Joseph is the patron saint of real estate.) Others in North America would buy houses and

renovate them for sale, thus lifting a whole area to renew itself. They can also teach all day and at night spend

time digging the foundations for a hospital.

Why choose St Joseph as patron? Sr Mary gives several reasons, pointing out that he worked with his hands, he

was an artisan, he was a risk taker, he was adaptable, and he had good sense. Joseph had to get his family ready

to travel to Egypt, he was unfunded, without supplies, heading into the unknown. St Joseph is absolutely the right

choice. He became a model for the Sisters of St Joseph, who will do likewise. Bishops throughout the world

know this and they also know that the Sisters of St Joseph direct what moneys come their way to further the

mission. They rely on Divine Providence and what they can earn. Often a Josephite work site will be called a

Providence. Parish communities value the Sisters who live and minister among them.

In the Spirit of St Joseph is published by Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, North Sydney

It is available from Mary MacKillop Place, 7 Mount Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 Australia.

Mail Address: PO Box 1081, North Sydney, NSW 2059 Australia.

Nina O'Flynn

New Zealand


12

Gravesites PilgrimageWhat a loyal and enthusiastic group of Associates joined the Gravesites

Pilgrimage in November 2009! This pilgrimage was planned by Helen

Saunders rsj, to put Associates in touch with Josephite history. We also

welcomed some newcomers – so wonderful to have in the Associate

movement.

The first place of prayer was Macquarie Park Cemetery where the

Sisters of St Joseph have two sites. Many Associates prayed at the

graves of Sisters whom they had known, some having either been

taught by them or worked with them. Significant at the site is the grave

of Flora MacKillop, whose remains were re-interred there in the 1970s

from St Charles’ Churchyard Cemetery, Ryde. After prayer at Flora’s

grave, all placed a sprig of rosemary, for remembrance.

Historic Gore Hill Cemetery was our next prayer place, at the plot once

used for Blessed Mary MacKillop, and now used for Casmir Meskill rsj,

a contemporary of Mary. Many pioneer Sisters are there in two

separate sites. Familiar names such as La Merci Mahony rsj, Mary’s

assistant, whose duty it was to announce Mary’s death, and Veronica

Champion rsj, the bursar, who developed the Mount Street property,

were prayerfully remembered.

In Mary MacKillop’s biography of Fr Julian Tenison Woods, she referred to contemporaries of Fr Julian

near whom he is buried at Waverley. Photos and brief stories of Dalley and Deniehy, and their place in

Australian history, were given and their graves shown to the pilgrims; we then prayed for all.

A new component of this pilgrimage was Rookwood Cemetery, to the graves of former Josephites who

eventually cared for Fr Julian during his final three years of ill health.

En route to Rookwood Cemetery, the place where Fr Julian died was pointed out. This was the original St

Margaret’s Hospital, begun by contemplative women – Gertrude Abbott, Magdalen Foley, Clara Green,

and laywoman Margaret Wiles. We scattered rose petals on their graves, symbolising the love, compassion

and service of these women for many underprivileged people.

Our final reflection was around the statue of Blessed Mary, which was blessed in 2002 when the area of

Rookwood dedicated to her memory was opened. We placed a posy of lilac at the foot of Mary’s statue,

with our intentions that the people honoured on our pilgrimage would always be examples for us of how to

live a genuine baptismal commitment to our God, full of faith, trust and love.

Connie Cummings rsj

Email Address

Have you had a change since

your last advice?

If so, please contact us with

your new details at:

[email protected]

Subject: Email address change

A

WANTED:

Inspirational photos

for next year’s calendar

Please send to Lyn Raftery rsj at the

Province Centre by end of June 2010

Documents

* Friendship * Prayer * Service May 2010